Study Finds Mediterranean Diet Reduces Women’s Risk of Heart Disease by 24%

A new study has found that following a Mediterranean diet could significantly reduce a woman’s risk of heart disease by 24%. The diet, which includes foods such as nuts, seafood, whole grains, and vegetables, has been linked to a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of developing dementia in later life.

The study, published in the journal Heart, analyzed data from 16 previous studies on over 720,000 women whose cardiovascular health was monitored for an average of 12.5 years. Researchers found that women who had a high adherence to a Mediterranean diet were 24% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 23% less likely to die from any cause during the follow-up period.

Commenting on the study, Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle for both men and women. She highlighted the fact that heart disease is often seen as a male problem, but actually kills more women than breast cancer in the UK each year.

In a separate study, researchers from Newcastle University found that individuals who followed a strict Mediterranean diet had a 23% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with a low adherence score. The findings, based on data from over 60,000 individuals in the UK Biobank, further support the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for overall health.

Overall, the research suggests that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, can help lower the risk of heart disease, dementia, and other chronic conditions. Making simple changes to your diet, such as eating more plant-based foods and reducing processed meats and sweets, can have a significant impact on your long-term health.